Klaipėda Region
In 1252, the Teutonic Knights constructed Memel Castle where the Dangė river flows into the Neman River. This fortress marked a turning point in centuries of conflict between Baltic tribes and German crusaders. Duke Konrad I of Masovia had requested assistance against Prussians and Skalvian tribes as early as 1226. Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II issued the Golden Bull of Rimini that same year to authorize the Order's expansion beyond Masovian borders. The Knights conquered western Balts including Skalvians, Nadruvians, and Yotvingians after failed uprisings from 1242 to 1274. By 1422, the Treaty of Melno defined a border between Prussia and Lithuania that ran north of Memelberg toward the southeast. Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania wanted the border coextensive with the Neman River but accepted the compromise. Many Lithuanians returned to northeastern Prussia following this treaty, creating what became known as Lithuania Minor by the 16th century.
The Klaipėda Region appeared as a roughly-triangular wedge under the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. French troops took over temporary military administration on the 15th of February 1920 under General Dominique Odry. Count Ulrich von Brockdorff-Rantzau led the German delegation at Paris Peace Conference who protested the decision on the 9th of May 1919. They claimed Memelland had never desired separation from Germany and always proved loyal to the German community. Allied Powers rejected this suggestion stating the district was always Lithuanian in origin and speech. Gabriel Jean Petisné headed civilian administration starting in 1921 after Odry left his post. The French administration faced accusations of siding too closely with pro-German Landes Directorium. An organization called Deutsch-Litauischer Heimatbund grew to 30,000 members representing about 21% of total population. This group promoted ideas for an independent state that would eventually return to Germany.
On the 9th of January 1923, Lithuania occupied territory during the Klaipėda Revolt using militias entering from Lithuania itself. France started Occupation of Ruhr in Germany while taking no counteractive measures against rebels. The Council of Ambassadors confirmed annexation by the 19th of February 1924 through a Convention signed in Paris. The area received separate parliament, two official languages, capacity to raise taxes, charge custom duties, manage cultural affairs, maintain judicial system, control agriculture and forestry, plus social security system. Local elections showed pro-German parties held over 80% majority throughout interwar period. The port became year-round ice-free Baltic access for Lithuania's agricultural exports. Reconstruction represented one of larger long-term investment projects enacted by Lithuanian government. No ballot choice existed for inhabitants regarding whether they wanted part of Lithuanian state or Germany. Many Lithuanian-speakers declared themselves Memellanders/Klaipėdiškiai rather than wanting belonging to Lithuanian national state due to strong Germanisation in late 1800s.
A Lithuanian census carried out in region during 1925 found total population was 141,000 people. Declared language classified inhabitants as 43.5 percent German, 27.6 percent Lithuanian, and 25.2 percent Klaipėdan. About 95% of inhabitants were Evangelical Christians while more than 90% of Greater Lithuanians were Catholics. Religious denominational differences created deep divisions between communities. Antanas Smetona came to power after December 1926 coup d'état making Memel Territory an oasis of democracy within authoritarian Lithuania. Civil marriage occurred only there since church marriages remained mandatory elsewhere. Leaders and members of pro-Nazi organizations faced trial starting 1934-1935 in Kaunas with three sentenced to death. The authoritarian regime enforced discrimination policy firing German teachers, officials, and priests from jobs. No governor appointed from local Prussian Lithuanians until 1938. Lithuanian settlements Jakai and Smeltė built increasing newcomers from 5,000 in 1926 to 30,000 by 1939. Hardline Lithuanisation campaign led to deeper antagonism between locals and new arrivals.
By late 1938, Lithuania had lost control of situation in the Territory completely. Early hours of the 23rd of March 1939 saw oral ultimatum cause Lithuanian delegation travel to Berlin. Juozas Urbšys signed Treaty of Cession with Joachim von Ribbentrop exchanging territory for 99-year Free Zone in port. Hitler anticipated aboard naval ship sailing into Memel at dawn celebrating return of Memelland. German forces seized territory even before official Lithuanian ratification occurred. United Kingdom and France took no action despite previous revolts. Seimas forced approval hoping Germany would not press other territorial demands upon Lithuania. Majority welcomed reunion with Reich showing joy among both Germans and Memelanders. Citizens allowed choosing citizenship as either German or Lithuanian. Only 585 family members asked for Lithuanian citizenship while just 20 requests granted. About 8,900 Lithuanians emigrated under treaty terms requiring those settled during occupation period from 1923 to 1939 to leave. Germany expelled about 1,300 local Jews plus 40 Prussian Lithuanians.
After Nazi Germany took over area in 1939 many Lithuanians began leaving Memel and surrounding region quickly. City turned into fortified naval base by Germans following invasion failure against Soviet Union. By October 1944 inhabitants without ethnic distinction decided whether stay or leave nearly all population evacuated from approaching Red Army. City defended until the 28th of January 1945 when captured leaving only six people found inside. Most inhabitants fled West settling in Germany after war ended. Around 35,000 local inhabitants remained during 1945-1946 including Prussian Lithuanians and Germans. Government of Lithuanian SSR sent agitators into displaced persons camps promising return and property restoration. From 1945 to 1950 about 8,000 persons repatriated though bilingual returners viewed as Germans. Few remaining ethnic Germans forcibly expelled with most fleeing to what became West Germany. Families of notable local Lithuanians opposing German parties before war deported to Siberia. In 1951 Lithuanian SSR expelled 3,500 people from former territory to East Germany. Majority surviving population emigrated to West Germany when allowed starting 1958 called repatriation of Germans.
Common questions
When did the Teutonic Knights construct Memel Castle in the Klaipėda Region?
The Teutonic Knights constructed Memel Castle in 1252 where the Dangė river flows into the Neman River. This fortress marked a turning point in centuries of conflict between Baltic tribes and German crusaders.
What happened to the Klaipėda Region under the Treaty of Versailles on the 9th of May 1919?
Count Ulrich von Brockdorff-Rantzau led the German delegation at Paris Peace Conference who protested the decision on the 9th of May 1919. The Klaipėda Region appeared as a roughly-triangular wedge under the 1919 Treaty of Versailles while Allied Powers stated the district was always Lithuanian in origin and speech.
How many people lived in the Klaipėda Region during the 1925 census?
A Lithuanian census carried out in region during 1925 found total population was 141,000 people. Declared language classified inhabitants as 43.5 percent German, 27.6 percent Lithuanian, and 25.2 percent Klaipėdan.
When did Lithuania occupy territory during the Klaipėda Revolt in the Klaipėda Region?
On the 9th of January 1923, Lithuania occupied territory during the Klaipėda Revolt using militias entering from Lithuania itself. The Council of Ambassadors confirmed annexation by the 19th of February 1924 through a Convention signed in Paris.
What occurred to the Klaipėda Region on the 23rd of March 1939?
Early hours of the 23rd of March 1939 saw oral ultimatum cause Lithuanian delegation travel to Berlin. Juozas Urbšys signed Treaty of Cession with Joachim von Ribbentrop exchanging territory for 99-year Free Zone in port while German forces seized territory even before official Lithuanian ratification occurred.
How many people were expelled from the Klaipėda Region between 1945 and 1950?
From 1945 to 1950 about 8,000 persons repatriated though bilingual returners viewed as Germans. In 1951 Lithuanian SSR expelled 3,500 people from former territory to East Germany.